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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Rally for Dramatic 8-7 Win Friday Night

June 19, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - Mark Reed's pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth Friday night gave the Tennessee Smokies a dramatic, come-from-behind 8-7 win over the Carolina Mudcats at Smokies Park. The win puts the Smokies at 30-38 on the year and prevented the Mudcats from gaining ground on the Huntsville Stars for the first-half Southern League North Division title.

The 5,184 in attendance were barely in their seats to witness Tennessee starter Hung-Wen Chen and the Smokies fall into a 4-0 hole. Carolina's lead was short-lived though as Tyler Colvin continued his hot streak at the plate by blasting a three-run shot in the bottom of the first. The home run cut the Mudcats' lead to 4-3 and was Colvin's third in three games. One inning later, Tony Thomas doubled home fellow infielder Darwin Barney to tie the game at four.

Colvin's next at-bat was almost as memorable, but in a different way. In the bottom of the third, he struck out swinging on a Tom Cochran offering. Colvin didn't agree he came around all the way on his swing and was promptly ejected by home plate umpire Gerard Ascani, Jr.

The Smokies carried on though without Colvin, adding runs in the fourth and fifth innings to go up 6-4. In the fourth, it was a Chen sacrifice fly that gave Tennessee its' first lead of the game. Ty Wright drilled a solo shot off Carolina starter Tom Cochran in the fifth to put Tennessee up by two.

The game's frantic pace continued though as Carolina tied the game at six in the sixth inning, then going ahead 7-6 in the top of the ninth. Tennessee had one more rally in them though as Tony Thomas' RBI double off Ramon Geronimo scored Barney and tied the game at seven. With first open and one out, Geronimo intentionally walked Jim Adduci to load the bases, setting up the stage for pinch-hitter Mark Reed to play the role of hero.

And hero we was as Reed delivered a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Lalli and giving the Smokies a dramatic 8-7 victory. John Gaub (3-1) got the win with two innings of relief. Geronimo (2-2) took the loss in blowing his third save of the year.

Tennessee and Carolina square off in Game 4 of their five-game series Saturday night at Smokies Park. Dallas Buck (2-1, 3.56) will take the mound for Carolina against Jeremy Papelbon (1-3, 3.97) for Tennessee. Tickets for the 7:15 affair, which will include a special pre-game rose ceremony at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Smokies' Pink Ribbon Night & Jersey Auction, can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from June 19, 2009


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